Plans are under way for the creation of a new festival for New Ulm to be called “Heritagefest.”

The three incorporators of the newly-formed Heritagefest organization met here Wednesday noon with a young man who has been hired as a playwright.

CHARLES QUIMBY, 26, of Minneapolis has been commissioned to write the script for a pageant-type production around which the festival will be built.

One of the incorporators, Leo Berg, acting as spokesman for the group, told The Journal Wednesday that the corporation is in the process of setting up a board of directors of about 20 members.

Dr. Howard Vogel and Lloyd Huebner, dean of students at Dr. Martin Luther College, are the other two incorporators. Also present Wednesday was William Schade, attorney for the non-profit corporation.

IDEA FOR HERITAGEFEST was conceived by Rotary Club with Berg chosen as chairman of a committee to investigate its possibilities.

Berg said the Rotarians had discussed various plans for types of celebrations to replace Polka Day in New Ulm with the idea of eliminating its less desirable features and emphasizing the city’s assets. He said the idea of a pageant came from Dr. Vogel.

The committee envisions a type of continuing festival which would be to New Ulm what “Song of Hiawatha” has been to Pipestone.

“Hopefully,” said Berg, “this will not be a one-or two-year shot but something that will grow and continue.”

With this idea in mind, Berg, Vogel and Huebner started a search for a playwright to research and develop the New Ulm story. Letters were sent out to area colleges, universities and the Guthrie Theatre, telling of the Rotarians’ search.

Following interviews and examination of several scenarios submitted, Quimby was chosen.

QUIMBY, A NATIVE of Colorado, is a 1971graduate of Carleton College in Northfield where he was active in drama and did a year-long in-dependent study in play writing.

Two plays written by Quimby were produced at Carleton. One of the plays, a documentary about the crew of the Pueblo, required the type of research which Quimby feels will be necessary for the New Ulm production.

Although for lack of a better description, the production is being called a pageant, Quimby says his plans include more dramatic coherence than a pageant usually represents.

Since graduation Quimby has been a freelance writer. Among other things he has been a regular contributor to the Minneapolis Star of reviews of the performing arts and is co-author of a book column for the Winona Daily News.

Quimby plans to return to New Ulm Feb. 18 to speak at a Rotary Club meeting. He also will appear that morning on KNUJ’s Open Mike program to explain Heritagefest.

SETTING FOR Heritagefest, said Berg, probably will be the Brown County Fairgrounds, with other activities such as craft displays and a beer garden being tied into the festival.

“We hope to stage it about the same time in summer that Polka Day was held,” added Berg.“Right now we’re thinking in terms of two performances.”

Next step will be getting a professional director, said Berg.

Quimby, who plans to come here for a week at a time, starting in March, to research the community, said, “I’m going to have to depend on people here to help me out.” He said he was thinking in terms of hundreds and hundreds of persons being involved. This will include not only those in the actual pageant but also persons to build sets, round up costumes, and so forth – involving the people of the community in history.”

“It’s going to be work definitely,” said Quimby,“But it’s going to be fun.”

Berg added, “New Ulm has much more to offer in its history than the Sioux uprising and this should point it out.”

“One thing is for sure,” he added, “New Ulm and its music will be involved.”

TO GET THE BALL rolling, the Rotary Club has donated $1,000 for the project. Local citizens also have promised donations, said Berg, and the group is hoping for some funding from the state Bicentennial commission. The Heritagefest proposal has been sent to the commission which will be acting Feb. 11 on fund applications. Amount granted could range from $500 to a maximum of $2,500,said Berg.

Berg also hopes the State Arts Council “will look favorably” on the New Ulm plan. Private donations to the non-profit corporation would be tax deductible, he pointed out.

Help with the project will be sought from the entire population, with special solicitation of other organizations. Anyone with ideas or talents to share, or with a recommendation for prospective board members, is invited to write to Box 190, New Ulm, said Berg.